At Bear Creek Farm our primary "crop" is Jacob Sheep. The Jacob is an old "heritage" breed, which means it retains many of its primitive characteristics and hasn't been altered much from its wilder beginnings. While no one is quite certain how old the breed is, or where Jacob sheep originated, theories abound. However, it is well documented that Jacob sheep (a.k.a piebald or spotted sheep) existed in England about 400 years ago.

From Bear Creek Farm's inception, I'd planned on raising only the rarest of heritage breeds, including sheep. Originally I'd wanted Soay sheep, but was unable to find any for sale at the time. I stumbled into getting some Jacob sheep, having found a "starter" herd of four for sale on Craigslist. Shortly thereafter I discovered a large flock just a few miles from Bear Creek Farm that was downsizing so I bought 13 more. I've never regretted ending up with Jacob sheep as I love this breed, their personalities, and hardiness. And they fit perfectly with the high desert landscape and climate of central Oregon.